In a shocking incident on the morning of October 4, 2024, an off-duty Atlanta police officer, Aubree Horton, was shot dead while attempting to break into a neighbor’s home in Douglas County, Georgia. The unsettling event unfolded at approximately 5:08 AM, with doorbell camera footage capturing Horton, 32, running half-naked and barefoot, screaming “kill me” and “help me” outside the residence.
View this post on Instagram
The footage, shared by Daily Mail on Instagram, shows police officer Horton trying to force the door open and later sitting on the steps, appearing distressed. The homeowner’s wife, alerted by Ring doorbell notifications, called the police while her husband, inside the home, woke up to the commotion. After an unsuccessful attempt to communicate with Horton through the door, Horton forced his way into the house and attacked the homeowner. In self-defense, the homeowner shot Horton, killing him instantly.
Authorities confirmed that Horton had no prior relationship with the homeowner, and no domestic violence incidents were linked to him. Horton, who had been with the Atlanta Police Department since 2015, was recently honored as “Investigator of the Year” for his work in high-profile cases. The event has sparked concerns about mental health and community safety in the otherwise quiet neighborhood. Toxicology reports are pending as investigators work with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office to review the details of the incident.
